Aterian Boosts Copper and Silver Exploration in Botswana with Three New Kalahari Copperbelt Licences
London-listed Aterian has announced a major expansion of its copper and silver exploration portfolio after securing three new prospecting licences in Botswana’s world-renowned Kalahari Copperbelt (KCB).
The licences, held by Aterian’s 90%-owned subsidiary Atlantis Metals, are focused on identifying sediment-hosted copper and silver mineralisation.
Located in an area that is attracting strong global interest from leading copper exploration and mining companies, the new additions significantly strengthen Aterian’s position in this high-potential region.
“This strategic expansion marks an important step in enhancing portfolio value for our shareholders,” said Aterian chairperson Charles Bray. “By increasing our footprint in the Kalahari Copperbelt, we gain exposure to one of the most promising copper and silver regions globally.
“With copper demand surging due to the global energy transition, Aterian is well-positioned to advance these assets and contribute to the future supply of critical metals. We remain committed to progressing our portfolio while pursuing partnerships or transactions that can deliver substantial value.”
The three licences cover a combined area of 329.16 km² and have been granted for an initial three-year term. They can be renewed twice for an additional two years per renewal, with the condition that 50% of the licence area is relinquished at each renewal stage.
This latest acquisition increases Aterian’s KCB portfolio to ten licences, now spanning a total of 2,298.34 km². The licences specifically target the highly prospective lower D’Kar Formation, which is known to host regionally significant copper and silver deposits.
An independent consultancy has been commissioned to source and reprocess historical airborne geophysical data for the newly acquired areas. Aterian expects this work to refine its understanding of the geological formations and improve targeting for exploration.
“By mapping the contact between the D’Kar Formation and the underlying red beds of the Ngwako Pan Formation through advanced geophysical interpretation, we aim to generate more accurate exploration targets,” the company noted.
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